I was in the area (for a Yelp Elite experience, actually lol) but it was a gorgeous day outside…read more(aka, forties in February) so I wanted to make sure I soaked up some of the sunshine in the afternoon. Peeking at this place on Google maps it didn't look like much, but I gave it a shot; I'm quite glad I did! Part of why I'd been unsure was because it does have a relatively small footprint of the landscape (it doesn't even encompass the entire lake, as many houses have backyards around more than half the shore... boo). But, they made up for it with a really nice visitor center and art installations! Honestly, I'd say this place wouldn't be half as good without the outdoor art walk; I really enjoyed discovering all the unique and fun sculptures along the path. It meant I got a much more engaged and lengthy experience; I don't know if their longest path was much more than a mile's distance, but because of the sculptures I kept venturing off the paved path to check them out up close (and take photos and selfies with each)! It was fun. There seemed to be two parking lots. The one near the visitor center was pretty large and seemed to be necessary; there were quite a lot of visitors there when I was, plus a school bus! Most of the visitors seemed to be there to enjoy some skating around out on the frozen lake, but others were walking the trail. Inside the visitor center were bathrooms, including a family restroom, water fountains, including a water bottle refill station, cute little trinkets to buy, a cafe with beverages and bakery snacks, a cozy seating area, lots of rooms for community events, a board advertising said community events for the next couple months, and an art exhibit. I was grateful for the easy access to bathrooms and water! Just outside the visitor center was one of the most adorable little free libraries I've ever seen, nestled inside a mushroom-like sculpture! All in all, definitely worth checking out. Unless you lived nearby, you probably wouldn't go too repeatedly (I think the indoor art exhibit changes seasonally, but the outdoor one has been installed awhile... one of the plaques read 2018), but it's great for a one-off or occasional visit!

beach is pretty dirty and the water is dirty as well:( not great for swimming :(((((((((read more

What a fantastic community space and outdoor recreation center! Totally makes winter in Minnesota…read moreeven better. I'm new to discovering The Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Regional Park, but believe me when I say I'll be back many more time. In the winter, they offer cross-country skiing and lessons. (You can rent a full set of gear for about $30- no need to have your own to experience skiing! They also have à la carte options for cheaper if you only need poles or boots, etc.) Besides skiing, outdoor winter activities also include snow tubing, snowboarding, snowshoeing.... You name it. (I haven't been in fall or summer yet, but I also hear great things about their mountain biking and trail running options.) Inside The Trailhead, there's food and drink concessions, ample seating, lockers, bathrooms, and even rooms for rent. The last time I was there, a family was hosting a young child's birthday party in the multi-purpose room. Altogether, there is an amazing assortment of services here to come and check out. Can't wait for next ski season!

We have made a tradition of coming here the day after Thanksgiving. I am from out of town, visiting…read morefamily and friends. The building is a perfect space for bringing a large group together for games, chatting, eating, and sledding on the snowy hills just outside the doors. They used to serve hot food, but they no longer have that option. The food was not consistent or anything all that special, but it was a nice option. This time we brought Thanksgiving leftovers and some breakfast bagel sandwiches. The space is well maintained and clean. It is spacious and has lots of room for young kids to run around and not be a disturbance. Always look forward to coming here.

This is historic Grain Belt Brewery complex in Northeast Minneapolis, designed by Boehme and…read moreCordella who are renowned for designing the American Swedish Institute's mansion. It's beautiful! I visited here today for the first time to attend Craft'za...Craft'za is a free one‑day art market for handmade goods! Whoo! It is is a heated and the the art was wonderful and a free public parking lot attached. Had a wonderful and enjoyable time. What a wonderful use of space!

Grain Belt Bottling House is a diverse venue, used for everything from the Autumn Brew Review to…read morevarious other gatherings and shows throughout the year. Depending on the size of the crowd, parking and entry can be a breeze or really tough. It is a venue that has a lot of potential, with both the inside of the building and the outdoor field where ABR is held available as potential space. I guess I would say that I feel the ABR is too big for this venue and there are parking issues (not to mention the wrap-around-the-block hour-long wait to get through the gate). Other things I've been to at this facility seemed better suited. For the record, I do think that reusing an old building period is awesome. It's way better than just letting it sit there. :-)

I was here recently for a friends wedding, what an absolutely beautiful venue! It's right on the…read moreriver with lovely flowers and large old trees everywhere. Outside, there is a large patio and beautiful river bank seating that is large enough to accommodate a decent sized group while still feeling wonderful intimate. Inside, Leopold's over looks the river and provides a romantic indoor atmosphere. The cocktails were spot on with friendly and knowledgeable bartenders, and the food was absolutely delicious. I'm now trying to come up with a reason to host an event here!

Leopold's Mississippi Gardens: A hidden gem on the river. A wonderful classical music venue…read more(Vivaldi's Four Seasons + More) by a string quartet, open air, by candle light. We bought our tickets online & couldn't have been more pleased-even our $35 tickets gave us great seats and listening. The Leopold's Mississippi Gardens will be hosting live music and a food truck on Tuesday evenings (check the website for dates, musicians & food truck). It will open at 4pm, music 4:30-6:30. Bar closes at 7pm. Worth the trip, just for the view!

My mom was telling me about a restaurant in the area and took me here. When we walked in she…read morerealized it wasn't the same restaurant she had been thinking about but we stayed and decided to check it out anyways. The day we went they had brunch, it wasn't too busy. You could definitely tell it was the community spot, everyone knew each other and it was genuinely good vibes. At the time we went (was a bit ago), it took a while for the waitress to get to us, as they were also the bartender. We did order drinks as well as split the chicken biscuit sandwich which came with fruit. Overall the sandwich was good. I'd definitely like to check out more of the menu. Drinks were good a well. The restaurant overall is nice, casual/classy vibes. They do have a parking lot & street parking.

Great Saturday Brunch with friends! The ambiance was dimly lit and welcoming. There are a few…read moreseating options. Which was nice. We were greeted right away. The food and menu choices were sooooo good. It was hard to decide. Two of us finally chose the chicken and waffles. The wings were well seasoned and the waffles were cooked to perfection. The side fruit was yummy too. Our other brunch buddy chose the chicken biscuit sandwich! It was soooo good that one of us ordered the chicken biscuit sandwich to go. The drink choices were also very inviting!